Four Chenango County football teams head into semifinal games this weekend
NORWICH – To win a sectional title in any sport is huge but getting there is a challenge. Norwich, Sherburne-Earlville, Greene and Harpursville-Afton are all vying for sectional final spots in their respective classes on Friday and Saturday.
2-Norwich vs 3-Maine-Endwell
All ready facing each other this season, Norwich captured the 13-12 dramatic win over the Spartans in week three. Even with that win, most people are still considering the Tornado to be the underdog of the match-up.
“We are using the fact that people still think we are the underdog as motivation,” said Norwich Head Coach Mike Chrystie.
With the ‘win or go home’ stakes on the table, Maine-Endwell will be looking to end the Purple Tornado season, revenging the heartbreaking loss.
“Maine-Endwell is an improved team but so are we,” said Chrystie. “It will come down to who can execute the minor adjustments.”
The Spartans have a strong option offense that the Purple will need to shut down. Key players in that system are fullback Josh Chandler and quarterback Joe Mancini.
“When you go against an option offense, you have to stop the fullback first. Chandler is a hard runner and very physical,” said Chrystie. “If we can stop the fullback and play out option responsibilities on the quarterback and the pitch back, we will be okay. That’s easier said than done but our kids are ready and they believe in one another.”
Offensively, Norwich believes in their system but will need help from the front line. With the Spartans defense upfront being much larger than Norwich’s offensive line.
Earlier this season, Chrystie gave much praise to his strong line in the first match-up, stating they were a big reason why they won the game.
“We have to match their physicality and block for 12 steps. They will win the two step battle; we need to win the 12 step battle.”
Game time is scheduled for a 7 p.m. kick-off tonight. Winner will move on to face the victor of Chenango Forks and Susquehanna Valley next weekend in the Section IV Class B championship game.
5-Sheburne-Earlville vs 1-General Brown
After taking down 4-Jordan Elbridge just a week ago, the Marauders carry a six game win streak into Saturday’s semifinal against top seed and undefeated General Brown.
General Brown hasn’t been challenged much this season, scoring at total of 427 points (average of 53.4 point per game) over their eight game season.
Not looking to slow that down against Sherburne-Earlville, leading rusher Zach Barker will be a key player to watch. Already rushing for over 945 yards this season, Barker is looking to get over the centry mark.
Hoping to put a stop to that from happening will be the Marauders defense, lead by linebacker Jessey Lynch and lineman Tanner Campbell.
S-E will also have to be on the lookout for arm of Thomas Dupee. Dupee has thrown eight TD passes this season.
But don’t count out the Marauders. Their offense has provided high numbers as well. Providing many yards on the ground this season have been running backs Lincoln Owen and Vinny Albertina, both stepping up on many occasions this season.
Quarterback Gabe Irwin has improved week in and week out, as Marauder Head Coach Ed Homquist has shown trust in him in late game situations. One that comes to mind is the win over Little Falls, when Holmquist called the passing play that ultimately won the game for S-E, clinching the Section III Class C playoff berth.
The receiver on the other end of that play? None other than S-E receiving leader Dawson Lagoe.
Marauders go for the upset win on Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. Game will be played at Cicero-North Syracuse.
5-Greene vs 1-Sidney
Playing to a second half win against Deposit-Hancock last week in the Section III Class D quarterfinals, the Greene Trojans are looking to carry the momentum into this week’s semifinal game against top-seed Sidney Warriors.
Matching up already once this season, Sidney took the 28-22 win over the Trojans but not before Greene moved the ball pretty well against the Warriors.
The Trojans defense will have to keep the Warriors notoriously long plays short in order to stay in the ball game.
Sidney has had many big plays all season long, no matter who the opponent is. Last week alone, they scored on a 96 yard play as quarterback Darren Smith connected with one his top receivers Ethan Finch.
“Sidney’s MO is the big play and we want to try and take that away,” said Dave Gorton, Greene’s head coach. “That’s what hurt us in the game against them earlier this season. But our tackling is really going to be a key for us.”
Offensively, the Trojans system matches up well against the Sidney defense mentioned Gorton. “It’s going to be how good is our offensive line against their defensive line.
Coy Austin, Nate Erickson and Justin Carmen have created a very balanced offense this season for Greene with nearly the same stats across the board. Gorton expects these three to continue their ways on Saturday.
Defensively, Gorton commented “Mitchell Walters and Isaac Hadock need to put some pressure on the quarterback while our secondary will need to keep the receivers in front of them.”
“We will show up and play hard football,” said Gorton
Sidney and Greene are scheduled to kick-off on Saturday at Noon at Binghamton Alumni Stadium on the front end of the Class D semifinal double header.
7-Harpursville-Afton vs 3-Tioga
The turning point of the season for the Hornets of Harpursville-Afton was half time of their game against Lansing. Since then, they have won three straight.
After taking down heavily favored 2-Unatego/Franklin last week, the Hornets are in the same underdog role against the 3-Tioga Tigers.
Having one of the smallest team in relation to numbers in Section IV, the Hornets don’t let that hold them back. Giving everything they have every game, Harpursville-Afton has been state ranked for a couple of week this season.
Facing Tioga, the Hornets will have to shut down the speed of Justin Rockwell that head coach Tim Petras described as “lighting quick.” Rockwell will be coming off a big game and hoping to continue.
“The Tigers are very similar to Lansing or Greene,” Petras stated. “They are a very physical, run first team. Tioga isn’t going to throw much, which is what we saw against those two teams.”
A key player for the Hornets that need to have a big game to pull off another upset will be running back Tyler King. “Josh Wilson will be a point of emphasis for the Tigers. That will leave the door open for King to have a big day.”
The Hornets and Tigers are the second game in the Class D semifinal double header at Binghamton Alumni Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 3 p.m.
2-Norwich vs 3-Maine-Endwell
All ready facing each other this season, Norwich captured the 13-12 dramatic win over the Spartans in week three. Even with that win, most people are still considering the Tornado to be the underdog of the match-up.
“We are using the fact that people still think we are the underdog as motivation,” said Norwich Head Coach Mike Chrystie.
With the ‘win or go home’ stakes on the table, Maine-Endwell will be looking to end the Purple Tornado season, revenging the heartbreaking loss.
“Maine-Endwell is an improved team but so are we,” said Chrystie. “It will come down to who can execute the minor adjustments.”
The Spartans have a strong option offense that the Purple will need to shut down. Key players in that system are fullback Josh Chandler and quarterback Joe Mancini.
“When you go against an option offense, you have to stop the fullback first. Chandler is a hard runner and very physical,” said Chrystie. “If we can stop the fullback and play out option responsibilities on the quarterback and the pitch back, we will be okay. That’s easier said than done but our kids are ready and they believe in one another.”
Offensively, Norwich believes in their system but will need help from the front line. With the Spartans defense upfront being much larger than Norwich’s offensive line.
Earlier this season, Chrystie gave much praise to his strong line in the first match-up, stating they were a big reason why they won the game.
“We have to match their physicality and block for 12 steps. They will win the two step battle; we need to win the 12 step battle.”
Game time is scheduled for a 7 p.m. kick-off tonight. Winner will move on to face the victor of Chenango Forks and Susquehanna Valley next weekend in the Section IV Class B championship game.
5-Sheburne-Earlville vs 1-General Brown
After taking down 4-Jordan Elbridge just a week ago, the Marauders carry a six game win streak into Saturday’s semifinal against top seed and undefeated General Brown.
General Brown hasn’t been challenged much this season, scoring at total of 427 points (average of 53.4 point per game) over their eight game season.
Not looking to slow that down against Sherburne-Earlville, leading rusher Zach Barker will be a key player to watch. Already rushing for over 945 yards this season, Barker is looking to get over the centry mark.
Hoping to put a stop to that from happening will be the Marauders defense, lead by linebacker Jessey Lynch and lineman Tanner Campbell.
S-E will also have to be on the lookout for arm of Thomas Dupee. Dupee has thrown eight TD passes this season.
But don’t count out the Marauders. Their offense has provided high numbers as well. Providing many yards on the ground this season have been running backs Lincoln Owen and Vinny Albertina, both stepping up on many occasions this season.
Quarterback Gabe Irwin has improved week in and week out, as Marauder Head Coach Ed Homquist has shown trust in him in late game situations. One that comes to mind is the win over Little Falls, when Holmquist called the passing play that ultimately won the game for S-E, clinching the Section III Class C playoff berth.
The receiver on the other end of that play? None other than S-E receiving leader Dawson Lagoe.
Marauders go for the upset win on Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. Game will be played at Cicero-North Syracuse.
5-Greene vs 1-Sidney
Playing to a second half win against Deposit-Hancock last week in the Section III Class D quarterfinals, the Greene Trojans are looking to carry the momentum into this week’s semifinal game against top-seed Sidney Warriors.
Matching up already once this season, Sidney took the 28-22 win over the Trojans but not before Greene moved the ball pretty well against the Warriors.
The Trojans defense will have to keep the Warriors notoriously long plays short in order to stay in the ball game.
Sidney has had many big plays all season long, no matter who the opponent is. Last week alone, they scored on a 96 yard play as quarterback Darren Smith connected with one his top receivers Ethan Finch.
“Sidney’s MO is the big play and we want to try and take that away,” said Dave Gorton, Greene’s head coach. “That’s what hurt us in the game against them earlier this season. But our tackling is really going to be a key for us.”
Offensively, the Trojans system matches up well against the Sidney defense mentioned Gorton. “It’s going to be how good is our offensive line against their defensive line.
Coy Austin, Nate Erickson and Justin Carmen have created a very balanced offense this season for Greene with nearly the same stats across the board. Gorton expects these three to continue their ways on Saturday.
Defensively, Gorton commented “Mitchell Walters and Isaac Hadock need to put some pressure on the quarterback while our secondary will need to keep the receivers in front of them.”
“We will show up and play hard football,” said Gorton
Sidney and Greene are scheduled to kick-off on Saturday at Noon at Binghamton Alumni Stadium on the front end of the Class D semifinal double header.
7-Harpursville-Afton vs 3-Tioga
The turning point of the season for the Hornets of Harpursville-Afton was half time of their game against Lansing. Since then, they have won three straight.
After taking down heavily favored 2-Unatego/Franklin last week, the Hornets are in the same underdog role against the 3-Tioga Tigers.
Having one of the smallest team in relation to numbers in Section IV, the Hornets don’t let that hold them back. Giving everything they have every game, Harpursville-Afton has been state ranked for a couple of week this season.
Facing Tioga, the Hornets will have to shut down the speed of Justin Rockwell that head coach Tim Petras described as “lighting quick.” Rockwell will be coming off a big game and hoping to continue.
“The Tigers are very similar to Lansing or Greene,” Petras stated. “They are a very physical, run first team. Tioga isn’t going to throw much, which is what we saw against those two teams.”
A key player for the Hornets that need to have a big game to pull off another upset will be running back Tyler King. “Josh Wilson will be a point of emphasis for the Tigers. That will leave the door open for King to have a big day.”
The Hornets and Tigers are the second game in the Class D semifinal double header at Binghamton Alumni Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 3 p.m.
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